Most Maori in Aotearoa New Zealand are disproportionately poorer compared with Europeans/Pakeha, face higher rates of unemployment, have lower incomes, achieve lower education outcomes and face poorer heath and lower life expectancy. Maori also make up half of this country’s prison population, despite being 15% of the general population. How to account for such socio-economic disparities? Can economic inequality faced by Maori be understood by focusing on racism, ethnicity and New Zealand’s colonial history? In this guest blog post John Moore discusses the flaws of anti-racist and anti-colonial politics in Aotearoa New Zealand, and argues that a radical egalitarian and class-based understanding of Maori oppression needs to be developed.
Posted at 02:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Posted at 04:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
The Maori Party and the Mana Party’s decision to put aside their differences and enter into a pact will lead once again to a new order in Maori politics. Labour’s fragile hold on six of the seven Maori seats is now seriously in doubt. In this guest blog post, John Moore argues that all the Maori seats are up for grabs, due to the fluid and dynamic nature of the Maori electorate. Yet this dynamism within the Maori electorates is more-often-than-not under-analysed by political commentators who over-emphasise the “traditional” aspects that are seen as shaping the indigenous political world in New Zealand. [Read more below]
Posted at 12:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Modern social-liberalism – in the form of identity politics – has been exposed as an elitist scam. Gender politics, LGBTQI+ movements, and tino rangatiratanga struggles were all presented as a way to alleviate the poverty, oppression and discrimination of those at the bottom of society. Instead these ideologies have only acted to elevate a few coming from various subjugated groups.
For example, gender politics has been mainly about putting middle class women into positions of power within the political and business world. The LGBTQI+ movement has been easily incorporated into the market economy with “pink capitalism” and with a normalisation of rainbow diversity. And tino rangatiratanga struggles seem to have only led to a few more brown faces amongst the rich listers.
Clearly identity politics – whether in the form of feminism, kaupapa Maori politics or LGBTQI+ movements – has not helped the majority of subjugated people who are at the bottom of society.
So, if identity politics has only helped an elite of those from subjugated sectors of society, is an anti-Establishment class-centred politics then the way forward? The identitarian-left argues that those who focus on material wellbeing, economics and class politics act to ignore other social divisions that exist under capitalism? A class-centred analysis is seen as crudely reducing questions of gender inequality, homophobia and racism to questions of economics and capitalism? Guest blogger John Moore explores these critiques of class politics, and offers an analysis that rejects both the crude economism of the traditional left and the politics of contemporary social liberalism. [Read more below]
Posted at 02:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Posted at 01:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Here’s some of the more interesting tweets (so far) about Gareth Morgan’s just-announced TOP political party. The most recent tweets are first.
Geoffrey Miller @GeoffMillerNZ
Fair point to say that populist parties often have contradictory ideology. But new Morgan party seems more centrist than anything
Geoffrey Miller @GeoffMillerNZ
New Gareth Morgan party seems to be blue-green with a twist of Roger Douglas- era Act and some Internet Mana rolled in.
Gareth Morgan is NZ's equivalent of Trump.
Plenty of dollars, 0 sense.
Ego driven publicity stunt.
Pepper Raccoon @pepperraccoon
My new political party: The TipTop Party. We have free ice cream and we're better than Gareth Morgan.
Flag campaign failed. Beach campaign failed. Cats. This party will fail.
For an economist, he's not that smart with money is he?
So if the Morgan Party takes 119,865 votes (4.9%) off the Greens and Labour, that would be pretty great
A white dude with money wanting power and saying he's good because he's anti-establishment. Of COURSE he's inspired by Trump.
If people misdirect to http://top.co.nz , and not http://top.org.nz , in search of Gareth the Great, they can buy real snake oil.
Always a smart move to start a political party in NZ and immediately compare yourself to Trump. Very popular here, will go down well.
Gareth Morgan's target voting demographic is native birds.
Is Morgan just trying to steal a few percent of nats to disappear that vote? Pretty funny if so.
Jokes aside would you rather have Gareth Morgan or David Seymour in Parliament?
Tell you what though, all joking aside, it is nice to see these sorts of fundamental principles up for discussion. http://www.top.org.nz/vision
On Gareth Morgan: he's actually seen the refugee crisis first hand, unlike every single National MP.
tiredsounds @normcoremarxism
"Make New Zealand Fair Again" this is like Trump for the NZ psyche/delusion.
Will Matthews @WillAMatthews
tbh compared to other people who have started parties Gareth Morgan is relatively sensible. Will be watching this closely
I've always dreamed of a political party that didn't give af about winning, and could be a vehicle for unpopular policies...
Twitter does not like Gareth Morgan! But I do! His policies are so de
eply Kiwi: equality, environment, education, innovation. #topnz
I think a Nigel Latta Party could also be a good idea.
@henrycooke Seeing a hole in the market where Dotcom and Craig used to be seems optimistic, but that's what makes an entrepreneur, I guess
At The Drive Thru @drivethrupod
Will National run a scare campaign that a millionaire is trying to buy the election again? That was fun
Matthew Hooton @MatthewHootonNZ
I suspect this'll be terribly embarrassing for ol @garethmorgannz but an alternative to corrupt incumbents is needed
There you go, Red Peak goes from inspiring modern symbol of NZ to political logo. Clap clap
How stoked is John Oliver right now. @LastWeekTonight #garethmorgan
Andrew Morrison @Morrison_TVNZ
Cats around New Zealand fearing the worst as Gareth Morgan enters politics
Three kinds of parties fail in NZ 1) Rich dude vanity parties 2) Parties lead by economists 3) Christian parties 2 out of 3 ain't bad
The party is one hour old and according to my sources it's already polling higher than ACT.
Why isn't it "The Opportunistic" Party? Rich white guys bring back equality. Yeah, OK then.
if gareth morgan's aim is to reach 5% i'm fairly sure he will fail. if he just wants to get his ideas on the table - act do it with 1%
Sports Freak @Sportsfreakconz
The pedant in me would like to point out that, to the best of my knowledge, Gareth Morgan has never killed a cat
Maria Sherwood @MariaSherwood2
Will Gareth Morgan get a visit from the police for saying he wants to light a fuse under Parliament?
December 2017: coalition talks between Gareth Morgan's Opportunities Party and Anne Batley-Burton's Cats Party turn acrimonious.
I wonder if Gareth Morgan will post out all the unsold copies of his various books, like Richard Prebble did with "I've been thinking"
The Greens should look out....this could hurt them.
If Gareth Morgan really wants to be the economist from Borgen, he's got a lot of Danish to learn.
Matthew Beveridge @matthewjpb
How to make a small fortune? Start with a large one and launch a political party...
Thinking Morgan party will be good for National if he peels votes from Labour & Greens but doesn't make 5% threshold
We now know the answer to every "Could Donald Trump happen here?" panel: Gareth Morgan http://www.top.org.nz/
Do you like Red Peak and Ted Talks? Think that the Green Party isn't quite businessy enough? Then have I got the political party for you!
The Opportunity Party: Heading towards just under the 5% threshold.
Stephanie Rodgers @bootstheory
What system do you reckon millionaire NZ white guys have to determine whose turn it is to screw up general elections with vanity projects?
Not Gareth Morgan @NotGarethMorgan
I'm the breath of fresh air NZ politics needs - another old pakeha man telling everyone what's best for them. *Waves at @DrBrash* #NZPOL
Really needs to front foot that whole cat thing, electoral poison otherwise
It genuinely kinda freaks me out that Gareth Morgan used the Trumpian phrases "establishment parties" and "career politicians".
Great to see but think his conventional economics education will hold him back. NZ needs a 2% MMP threshold to really break open status quo
Kim Dotcom. Gareth Morgan. Can we actually have a person entering politics we actually like and admire? How about it @JohnJCampbell?
Sinister confluence as Top Shop opens in Wellington and Gareth Morgan starts up the TOP. Coincidence? Wake up sheeple.
Will Gareth Morgan spend as much as Colin Craig and Kim Dotcom in their efforts to influence Parliament?
Gareth Morgan says he wants to light a fuse under Parlt. Will he find himself hauled in front of Privileges Cttee for contempt? (No.)
How much is Sir Bob laughing at Gareth Morgan right now for following in Bob's footsteps?
Just what the political landscape needs another old white millionaire who thinks he knows it all…
Bob Jones. Colin Craig. Kim Dotcom. Gareth Morgan. Anything's possible, but NZ rich dude parties have poor form.
Good on Gareth Morgan. A good test of the Blue-Green theory.
Gareth Morgan successfully ruins #RedPeak for everyone who loves cats.
I can see the billboards now: "Vote cat-hater!" #YeahNah
Topcat was one of my favourite cartoons as a kid. Maybe not so much now #TOPcat
Andrew Riddell @AndrewRiddell1
A new political party being set up by Gareth Morgan. Will it campaign for a universal basic income? A home for blue-greens?
Prediction: maximum 25,000 party votes (1%) at the election.
Marianne Elliott @zenpeacekeeper
Gareth Morgan's party already made me smile: "we also acknowledge the contribution of unpaid work. Without it our economy would collapse."
There was a double vacancy in the millionaire vanity political vehicle market. Enter Gareth Morgan. http://www.top.org.nz/
Marianne Elliott @zenpeacekeeper
So Gareth Morgan just launched a political party. http://www.top.org.nz/ 2017 might be more fun than I expected.
Mathew Grocott @mathewgrocott
Sweet, we needed a new joke party for next year's election, thanks Gareth.
Jess Berentson-Shaw @DrJessBerentson
Things stay the same for us at the Morgan Foundation, while the boss moves on to taking on the halls of power
Gareth Morgan's new political party plans to build a wall. And will make the cats pay for it.
Asher Wilson-Goldman @AsherGoldman
You know what New Zealand really needs? Another rich white man's vanity project political party. Thanks, Gareth Morgan.
Jessica Williams @mizjwilliams
The Opportunities Party, led (presumably) by Gareth Morgan. DOES THIS MAKE HIM TOP CAT?
Gareth Morgan @garethmorgannz
Big day today, I’m going into politics, this is going to be a wild ride but I’m determined to see NZ do better. http://www.top.org.nz
Posted at 12:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Some of the more interesting and insightful first reactions to the Auditor-General's report on the Saudi Sheep scandal. The most recent tweets are first. To be updated:
Michael Field @MichaelFieldNZ
In case of questions: its a crime in NZ to receive a bribe. And to offer a bribe. Has been for 106 years. Saudi sheep?
Just hired my new accountants! They're certified by the New Zealand Auditor General as "having significant shortcomings, but not corrupt."
Dude is a dark lord of the Sith, he ain't going to get sacked for a few sheep.
Saudi Sheep Deal "Legally valid contract for services". A good defense if I'm ever accused of bribery and corruption.
Auditor general says Saudi sheep deal not technically a bribe, as payment not in brown paper bag with bribe printed on it..
Matthew Hooton @MatthewHootonNZ
Matthew Hooton Retweeted Ryan
This was a specific lie by McCully to @NZParliament but @johnkeypm is defending him. #corruptgovt
Somehow I don't think 'Look, I wasn't caught doing anything actually illegal' is going to cut it this time. t
I’m just re rereading the AG report. What on earth does McCully have over @johnkeypm for the latter to be standing by the former?
Now McCully wants some credit?! What for? Not being corrupt or a criminal?? #rtpt
@johnkeypm an official report has proven Murray McCully lied to you and cabinet. When will you be asking for his resignation?
"I am paid to get the job done." No. You are elected to govern with integrity. http://nzh.tw/11740591
Report says because he doesn't gain personally, it can't be corrupt. Surely that's not the only std in politics. What about political gain?
Government is celebrating finding that McCully's #sheepgate behaviour is not corrupt. This is a very low threshold for a Minister ...
The allegation was never that McCully took bribes, but that he gave them. The fact that it wasn't illegal doesn't mean it wasn't a bribe.
What is so interesting about the AG report into #SaudiSheep is what it doesn’t cover. #MathesonAppointment #Palace #Brownriggs
Matthew Hooton @MatthewHootonNZ
The @auditor_general report confirms no #SaudiSheep legal threat so McCully lied to @johnkeypm, Cabinet & Parliament when he said there was.
Good that McCully's name's been cleared. He did nothing illegal. He simply used govt money to buy a guy a Saudi farm for unexplained reasons
OAG report in a tweet: McCully did nothing illegal. But it's not just about not doing bribes, it's about not being seen to be doing bribes.
Could it be true that Provost is correct, and McCully is less completely corrupt, and more totally and absolutely incompetent? A tricky one
Matthew Hooton @MatthewHootonNZ
McCully is fine. AG says he's not actually a criminal. That's enough for 3rd term @johnkeypm. #SaudiSheep
Pretty legal. http://www.oag.govt.nz/2016/food-security …
Nothing to feel sheepish about #mccully
Not corrupt, just inept. http://www.oag.govt.nz/2016/food-security … "I share many [NZers'] concerns about the arrangements. I found significant shortcomings"
Saudi sheep: Not "corruption" but a lack of "transparency." Oh, Lyn. You just played with semantics. http://www.oag.govt.nz/2016/food-security …
MFAT seems to have refused to accept govts decision to ban live sheep exports, told everyone it would go away #DeepState
No corruption, but concerns! and six uses of the word complex in the introduction alone. Meh.
Murray McCully's collection of critical #OAG reports must be getting quite large. How many is this now?
Pre-report release:
Brace for impact: ewe know the sheep jokes are coming.
I don't know what the fuss is about, it's perfectly normal for the NZ govt to buy a Saudi citizen a farm because of hurt feelings.
Opposition will make noise over Saudi sheep findings - but the fiasco is the natural result of corporate welfarism supported by all but ACT.
Is McCully a lamb for the slaughter? #nzpol
Entire press gallery waiting to see if upcoming auditor general report on Saudi sheep will be the Dead McCully Scrolls.
Auditor General speaks to camera: "Everything is fine, it's all above board." Camera pans out to see her speaking from a sheep farm. Fin.
Almost 18 months after my first phone call on the Saudi Sheep deal, the Auditor General is finally releasing her report. Hoorah!
Matthew Hooton @MatthewHootonNZ
It certainly is good news. But unemployment should go up by one when #saudisheep report comes out at 2pm NZT
Posted at 02:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
David Cunliffe @DavidCunliffeMP
Dear @JudithCollinsMP, Thank you for your kind words, Regards, David #dignityandgravitas #nzpol
Looking forward to seeing more of parishioner @DavidCunliffeMP next year after he moves on from politics.
We have David Cunliffe to thank for not having to pay probably $300 a month for dial up internet to a monopoly. Give him that.
David Cunliffe is retiring from politics to spend more time with his mansion #nzpol
On David Cunliffe: for all the times he embarrassed himself, his achievement on telecommunications reform changed New Zealand.
I've been friends with @DavidCunliffeMP since 1980s university debating. Great intellect, genuinely cared, did his utmost for people. 1/2
Stand a cat in Cunliffe's electorate and you'll be all good, I reckon.
I'm gunna miss David Cunliffe. Especially when he talks like a pirate
Talk of Labour's vulnerability in New Lynn may be overstated - National has also lost its local champion & ace campaigner Tim Groser
Cunliffe to retire from politics http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/317003/cunliffe-to-retire-from-politics … Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better.
New Lynn could be interesting in 2017. @DavidCunliffeMP 's held it easily , but National's won the party vote there at the last 2 elections
Who knew that David Cunliffe couldn't continue in politics without Hekia Parata.
It was under David Cunliffe's leadership that @nzlabour adopted their first increase the quota policy which is now #DoubleTheQuota. Cheers!
David Cunliffe is living proof that if you dedicate your life to politics you can almost achieve something.
So David Cunliffe isn't standing in New Lynn again. Thoughts on who'll be putting their hand up for that seat in 2017? #nzpol
> Francisco Hernandez @FranHernaNZ 2h2 hours ago
@KirkSerpes Priyanca would be great for that seat. Very competent. Very connected.
Trevor Mallard for New Lynn?
Geoffrey Miller @GeoffMillerNZ
Laila Harré for New Lynn 2017?
Geoffrey Miller @GeoffMillerNZ
Len Brown for New Lynn 2017?
For real tho, he was a v good telco minister but suffered from the unusal problem for politicians of seeming far less authentic than he was
Farewell to David Cunliffe! He was truly the best of us. (*source: Cunliffe, D., Curriculum Vitae, 2012)
Geoffrey Miller @GeoffMillerNZ
Chloe Swarbrick for New Lynn 2017?
SZABO FOR NEW LYNN
Greece Gin Barrett @Greeniecg
@NewstalkZB I suppose Labour needs that train to go to New Lynn now too?
I got kicked out of young labour for supporting @DavidCunliffeMP and tbh I'd do it all again. Best of luck David. You'll be missed
One of my favourite @DavidCunliffeMP moments was telling him he was one of my favourite people. He told me I needed to meet more people.
Posted at 11:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Some facts about the state of unions and industrial issues in New Zealand in 2016:
Source: http://www.societies.govt.nz/cms/registered-unions/annual-return-membership-reports/2015 and www.ctu.org.nz
Posted at 02:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Posted at 12:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
A sad day with the passing of Helen Kelly, a brave and dignified advocate for New Zealanders. Arohanui to her family and friends.
Gareth Morgan @garethmorgannz
Bye @helenkellyUnion, privilege to have known you, always respected your perspective and care, you've left us too soon. Gareth
I only met Helen Kelly once. It was inhumane that medicinal cannabis wasn't legal in her time of suffering. RIP.
Helen Kelly made the issues of working people, long buried, a national discussion. A beautiful person who believed in justice & change.
Deeply saddened by news if death of Helen Kelly, a passionate advocate for workers' rights all her life. RIP Helen
Andrew Paul Wood @AndrewPaulWood
Now would be the time to float ideas as to what could be named after Helen Kelly.
Maritime Union NZ @maritimeunion
The flag flies half mast at the old WIC Bureau Hall in Port Chalmers as a sign of respect by Maritime workers for Helen Kelly
Victoria University @VicUniWgtn
The #VicUniWgtn community is saddened by the passing of Helen Kelly–a #VicGrad & strong advocate for workers’ rights
Felix Geiringer @BarristerNZ
Let's honour Helen Kelly by continuing her push for major cannabis law reform. It is time we ended all criminal sanctions for cannabis use.
Fantastic empathy by Helen Kelly - she could talk with anyone, not a middle-class snob! That's how I remember her. No PC bullshit.
Helen Kelly truly pro worker. Had a few quiet meetings with HK, she's such a good person, really understood struggle. An actual role model.
There's not a NZer I admire more than Helen Kelly. I feel our nation has lost its truest conscience.
R.I.P Helen Kelly. Such a fierce, tireless and dignified advocate for people and justice. You'll be sorely missed.
Thanks HK, you were the coolest NZer of our generation, down to your last breath.
I never met Helen Kelly but was deeply impressed w her dignity, strength & unwavering commitment 2 the greater good as she faced her illness
The Union movement and nz has lost a great unionist and wonderful human. Love to Helen Kelly's family
Marianne Elliott @zenpeacekeeper
Much love to those of you who have lost a beloved friend and colleague. I've been deeply inspired by Helen and today work hard in her honour
JenniferWard-Lealand @JWardLealandNow
Haere atu rā @helenkellyUnion you wonderful impressive woman.
RIP @helenkellyUnion. So grateful for her supportive voice this past year, even in the midst of her illness. An incredible person.
Solidarity forever Helen. Haere nga mate, haere, haere, haere.
We have lost a great New Zealander rest in piece Helen Kelly thank you for everything. Your work will continue. The fight will continue.
Trevor Mallard @TrevorMallard
RIP my friend. Here's my comments to you as you left the CTU. http://fb.me/5HWewfsV6
I was saddened to hear today of Helen Kelly's death. She was a person of principle and an indefatigable fighter... http://fb.me/7A4kOh8kG
Catherine Delahunty @greencatherine
" what they could never kill went on to organise" Joe Hill song - he would have recognised in Helen Kelly that same indomitable spirit
Helen Kelly shared her stories and wisdom freely. An inspiring, powerful campaigner for justice. Much love to @NZCTU & whaanau.
Of all sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest these: what might have been. Helen Kelly gave NZ so much, and had so much more to give.
Meat Workers Union members mourn the passing of Helen Kelly ; she fought for all of us ; love to her whanau.
Hard to know right words when we lose such a champion for human rights & social justice. Rest in peace Helen Kelly. Your work will continue.
Saddened to hear about the passing of Helen Kelly, a strong advocate for workers’ rights. My thoughts are with her family and friends.
Deeply saddened by news of Helen Kelly's death; long time advocate for workers' rights. Sincere condolences 2 family
Will really miss you Helen Kelly RIP. Really appreciate your work esp as a strong advocate!
Catherine Delahunty @greencatherine
To the Kellys much love, such a sense of loss for this country, Helen Kelly inspired us to fight for justice every day or every person
Hard to imagine the world without Helen Kelly's feisty presence, fighting all the way. A great leader and a lovely woman and friend.
Rest in peace, Helen Kelly. A true champion of working people and a lovely human being. We will miss you so much.
Bet Helen Kelly is in Heaven unionizing the Angels and giving God Hell. #RIPHelenKelly. Condolences to her family and friends,
Jacinda Ardern @jacindaardern
Feeling so, so sad. We have lost a fierce, principled and kind soul today. Love to all your family Helen, and rest easy.
You couldn't bully Helen Kelly. R.I.P.
Saddest news. Helen Kelly was the kind of leader NZ needs. Principled, compassionate, tireless, fierce.
Fleur Fitzsimons @FleurFitzsimons
RIP Helen Kelly. More young men are alive and working in our forests because of Helen Kelly. #mourn&organise
Jessica Williams @mizjwilliams
RIP Helen Kelly. Thank you for everything you did for workers and ordinary people. We'll keep fighting, inspired by your memory.
Helen Kelly has passed but there are many more who will have full lives because of her work. Truly a mother of the movement. Arohanui
Michèle A'Court @MicheleACourt
Strong, intelligent, warm, caring, dedicated, kind, inspiring and wickedly funny. One of my favourite women. RIP Helen Kelly.
Will miss our chats Helen, you were a delight to interview and so giving of your time. An inspiration with a cracking sense of humour.
Maryan Street @MaryanStreetNZ
We will all miss @helenkellyUnion so very much. But will also treasure forever the wonderful things she did. Best leader. Loveliest friend.
Joseph Romanos @JosephRomanos
RIP Helen Kelly. What a brave fight she put up. An incredible loss for New Zealand
The @radionz tribute to Helen Kelly has left me a tearful mess. Helen's work has to live on through all unionists.
Helen Kelly was an incredible New Zealander. She fought for others and ensured their voice was heard. Arohanui Steve & Helen's loved ones.
Annette King @annetterongotai
A great loss to NZ. Passionate, determined, caring, principled. We will all miss you Helen. Now at rest.
Nadine Chalmers-Ross @NewsNadine
A selfless and inspirational NZer who cared about others until the very end. RIP Helen. NZ needs more like you
Thank you Helen Kelly for your tireless work for the low paid, the exploited & the underdog- a true Kiwi working class hero.
Sassy Little Hobbit @LI_politico
RIP Helen Kelly. We have lost a crucial voice in NZ policymaking. I hope we honor her by continuing her fight for all working people.
Damian Christie @damianchristie
Aww Helen. Always loved our chats when I worked on Q+A. Such a lovely, lively, deeply principled person. X
Grant Robertson @grantrobertson1
So sad to hear Helen has gone. A woman who lived her life of courage+kindness in pursuit of justice for working people. Rest now my friend.
Pamela Stirling @PamelaStirling
Helen Kelly's death is such a loss for New Zealand. She was a fierce fighter for rights & justice while displaying such warmth & humour.
@radionz So sorry to hear this news. Helen Kelly was an inspiration to activists across New Zealand and especially women, myself included
Morgan Godfery @MorganGodfery
Helen Kelly was irrepressible. A mighty trade union leader. The workers' champion. Most of all, she loved and was loved in return.
Robert James Stewart @RobJStewartNZ
A special NZer. Always thought Dame Helen had a fitting sound to it.
Helen Kelly was an extraordinary woman who was strong, courageous and determined. My thoughts are with her loved ones. RIP Helen.
had the pleasure of meeting/interviewing Helen Kelly a bunch of times. she was always smart, kind and truly believed in what she fought for.
So sad NZ has lost Helen Kelly. A truly courageous champion of the people.
Sad to say goodbye to @helenkellyUnion a leader, a great NZer, and a mate. Gone too soon.
Duncan Garner @DuncanGarnerNZ
R.I.P Helen Kelly staunch advocate for fair pay and conditions. Your work in forestry saved lives and comforted families. NZer of the year.
Michael Field @MichaelFieldNZ
Pat Kelly and daughter Helen Kelly ... there should be a part of Wellington honouring these great souls
A true #warriorwoman# Always admired & respected this wahine toa
Dearest @helenkellyUnion, you were a star. We will miss you. The many you helped will mourn your loss. Rest in peace.
Knew it was coming but the worst news. The Labour movement salutes you Helen Unionist Helen Kelly dies in Wellington
Really sad to hear the news about Helen Kelly - fighting for others until the end & an inspiration on many fronts
Rebecca Macfie @rebeccamacfie
....NZers hv been blessed to have her in their civic and political lives. A huge privilege for me to know and write about her.
Just said a quick prayer for Helen Kelly. RIP. The quintessential battler... on all fronts.
Feeling quite shattered at the news of Helen Kelly’s passing. I interviewed her at her house a week ago today. She was amazing.
Helen Kelly has died. We have lost one of our greatest. Arohanui, Helen.
Go well, Helen Kelly. What a loss to us all.
RIP Helen Kelly. Your courage, warmth and strength were a huge inspiration for me. Thank you for all that you did for others.
Sad day @helenkellyUnion such a fighter
Moe mai rā @helenkellyUnion. Kua mutu te whawhai roroa, kua mutu te mamae. E haere atu ki ōu tūpuna, e te mareikura.
Helen Kelly was an extraordinary woman. May she truly rest in peace.
Martyn Bradbury @CitizenBomber
Helen Kelly - leader, fighter, human rights champion, friend and comrade has died - we mourn the loss of such an incredible Kiwi #nzpol
We lost a hero today.
Posted at 09:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Posted at 12:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Here’s some of the more interesting and insightful tweets about the 2016 local government election results. The most recent tweets are first. Will be updated.
Jarrod Gilbert @JarrodGilbertNZ
Some elected to governance in Chch got similar vote numbers I did as a uni student pres. And student politics was less popular than death.
2/12 Hamilton City Councillors are women.
Quite gutted the Mayoral polls in Hamilton were so wrong, would have definitely voted differently from what I did. #disastrous
Political Scientist @Puddleglum11
With some honourable exceptions (e.g., Mackenzie District +23.6%) so far turnout heads south in local elections http://www.lgnz.co.nz/vote2016/preliminary-voter-turnout-2016/ …
So good day for Labour then, and who said low turn out favours the right?
Nice to kick off #MtRoskill #byelection with a good day for the left in local govt around NZ eh @michaelwoodnz ?
Local council victory to a few strong refugee advocates! Cull in Dunedin and Lester in Wellington. Waiting for more results....
So the great Island Bay cycleway 'debacle' resulted in not one supporter (e,g Lester, Lee, Foster) being turfed out. #Onyerbikecentreright
Grant Robertson @grantrobertson1
Big day for Labour folk in Mayoralty races- Goff, Lester, Dalziel, Chadwick and my very good friend @Hamish4Labour in Whanganui!
Max Rashbrooke @MaxRashbrooke
WCC now has 4 Labour (Lester, Dawson, Gilberd, Eagle) + 3 Green (Pannett, Free, Lee) + clear leftleaning Jill Day. Majority of 15-strong ccl
greg jackson @therealgregjack
#nzpol With so many mayors, new & returned, out of the Labour stable this has got interesting implications for next year's election.
Michael Forbes @Michael_Forbes
So much for the tight Wellington mayoral race. @justin_lester romps home with a 25,927 vote majority. #VoteWelly
Doth mine eyes deceive me, or are the 'loony' lefties in ascendance throughout the land (eth)?
Quite pleased Michael Laws didn't get elected to Otago Regional Council #understatement
All those voted to Ecan were campaigning on clearing up Canty's dirty waters, but nothing will change as Govt stooges still in control.
My overall take on new Auckland Council is no big idealogical change but couple new champions for issues which can have big impact #VoteAkl
Nathan Simms @5WinstonSmith5
53% in Wairoa have voted to add dedicated Maori seats to the local Council.
In more good news Whangarei developer Dave Blackley apparently threw 6 figures on his campaign and didn't get into Council. Funny.
Looking at the AKL Council candidates this what I have for Left vs Right:
Left=4
Center-Left=6 + 1 (Mayor)
Center-Right=4
Right=6
Jonathan Carson @jonathanjcarson
Nelson mayoral candidate Pete Rainey says the election result signals an "unbelievable swing to the right" for the city. #VoteNZ2016
Russell Brown @publicaddress
@_chloeswarbrick Congratulations for changing the conversation Chloe. Don't stop now.
Good one CHCH, turnout's not marvellous compared to 2010 (50) or 2013 (41) but all considered-not as dire as it could be 37+% #voteLocal
Bike-friendly, light-rail-friendly left/green candidates doing okay around the country. Will this continue in Wgtn? #timewilltell #notsure
2016, forever remembered as the beginning of ten successive terms for Goff as Auckland Mayor.
Anyway, that was a good run from @JohnJohnminto, who made it a contest and introduced some ideas.
Berend de Boer @berenddeboer
Maybe Aucklanders ignored the election, because Labour party was gonna win anyway, and council can't do anything anyway #votelocal
And a huge congratulations to @_chloeswarbrick, winning third place over some very seasoned campaigners with a lot more money behind them.
This is quite a story. Lusk intervention up in Rodney has had a major impact. 3K votes more than Webster is a blow out. #VoteAKL
If someone last year said a 22 year old candidate would come third for Mayor with 7% I would've been sceptical. But wow. Very cool. #VoteAKL
Geoffrey Miller @GeoffMillerNZ
Flag referendum vs. local body elections - rank your excitement level #voteNZ2016 #votelocal
.@_chloeswarbrick showed what you can achieve with a minimal budget and a great social media presence. #3rd #VoteAKL
Laura OC Rapira @laura_oc_rapira
@_chloeswarbrick sliding in at 3rd in vote count so far. Not bad at all for a previously unknown independent w/a budget of less than $5k
In Rodney, the Simon Lusk candidate Greg Sayers has beaten Incumbent Penny Webster - first upset.....
Tim Shadbolt takes Invercargill mayoralty for 8th time #votelocal
Tim Shadbolt takes Invercargill mayoralty for 8th time #votelocal
Congrats @_chloeswarbrick on a fantastic run! Thank you for gifting great energy, good humour, and evidence-based policy to the campaign.
Swarbrick came third? Very impressive. What will she do now?
Grant Robertson @grantrobertson1
Congrats to the hardest working politician I know, @phil_goff He'll be a great leader for Tamaki Makaurau #localgovt2016
Well done Phil. Good for Auckland.
Crone did better than anyone who gave that answer on climate change should have done.
Lizzie Marvelly @LizzieMarvelly
Yes! Congratulations @Phil_Goff! I'm excited to see how Auckland will evolve under your leadership.
Special votes can delay result for another week if lots arrive. Remember when Kerry lost to Celia on Specials? @Fastred @WgtnCC #votelocal
Thank Goff that Crone didn't win!
Looks like 'Auckland Future' will big loser in local election. #VoteAKL
I for one am on the edge of my seat waiting to see if Upper Hutt mayor holds on for another 15 years.
No, Minto loses his deposit as he had less than 25% of Dalziel's vote (FPP election, regulation 49)
> Sacha Dylan @kaupapa 5m5 minutes ago
@bryce_edwards lots of tweets using #votelocal already too
Vic Crone is at The Cav and Chloe Swarbrick is at Golden Dawn. Where's the mayoral candidate who will sip scrumpy in a public park?
Geoffrey Miller @GeoffMillerNZ
Does NZ need minimum turnout threshold for election validity? Hungary anti-refugee referendum failed because of <50% turnout #voteNZ2016
Final numbers in for #wellington @WgtnCC votes... Same as last election numbers nearly. 41.93% http://electionz.com/2016lgereturns/ELT47WC16_returns.htm …
Apparently PN results won't be out until 19:00 #VoteNZ2016
Lianne got pretty much the same number of votes as last time - about 72,000, despite the voter turnout being 15% lower. Remarkable really
Geoffrey Miller @GeoffMillerNZ
Hoping for a Brexit/Colombia style surprise for the Auckland mayoralty. Not holding my breath though #nzpol
Dunedin Greens @Dunedin_Greens
Not your best voter turnout Dunedin! Great that 38,442 of you DID vote (43.24%) but, cf 43.49% in 2013, 52.96% in 2010 and 47.47% in 2007.
Strong showing by Minto to be honest - 12,000 is more than he ran in Auckland with a much smaller voting pool.
Huh. @radionz moaning that STV makes it difficult for media to pick a winner in Wellington. Democracy, dudes!
Claire Robinson @Spinprofessor
Well done Wellington, turnout of 41.93 is a .25 point increase in turnout on 2013 or 3781 more voters @DesignDem @votelocalnz
Shout-out to journos who understand diff between progress results & preliminary. Latter is *all* ordinary votes, incl ones delivered today.
Posted at 01:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)